Diagnostic transcript and splice patterns of hr-hpv in different cervical lesions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between a severe form of HR-HPV infection and a mild form of HR-HPV infection. It further is concerned with a composition comprising a probe oligonucleotide mixture, a device, and a kit for use in conjunction with the method of the invention.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/331,561, filed May 5, 2010, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

This application contains a Sequence Listing submitted as an electronic text file named “26785-US Sequence listing.txt”, having a size in bytes of 77 kb, and created on Apr. 29, 2011. The information contained in this electronic file is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.52(e)(5).

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for differentiating in a subject with high-risk (HR)-HPV between a severe form of HR-HPV infection and a mild form of HR-HPV infection. It further is concerned with a composition comprising a probe oligonucleotide mixture, a device, and a kit for use in conjunction with the method of the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cancer of the uterine cervix (CxCa) is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide and is caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses with HPV16 being the most prevalent type. In developed countries, conventional cytological screening programs have substantially reduced the incidence of this kind of cancer. These cytological screening programs, however, have some drawbacks.

The Papanicolaou test, frequently also referred to as Pap test, is a diagnostic method designed for the detection of premalignant and malignant lesion in the uterine cervix. For the Papanicolaou test, samples are obtained from the cervix and screened by light microscopy for changes in cell morphology indicating malignant or premalignant cells. Then, samples are classified depending on the severity of the observed lesions. However, diagnosis by cervical cytology is a subjective method, and the quality depends on the standards of the laboratory that provides the service. As such, lesion categorization is only moderately reproducible and of poor sensitivity compared to colposcopy (Baldwin, P., R. Laskey, and N. Coleman. 2003. Translational approaches to improving cervical screening. Nat Rev Cancer 3:217-26). Moreover, false positive results lead to a high number of patients that are being over-treated.

Within the last two decades a variety of new diagnostic tests for HPV were developed. These methods are based on the detection of viral, molecular and biochemical markers, such as HPV proteins, DNA and RNA.

The FDA-approved Hybrid Capture II Test System (HC2) (formerly Digene Corp., USA, now Qiagen, the Netherlands) is considered the gold standard for HPV DNA testing in clinical practice, however, it shows several disadvantages: a) no genotyping is performed, instead HPV infection is solely attributed to a “low-risk” or “high-risk” group, b) multiple infections cannot be identified, c) it is less sensitive for HPV detection than PCR-based methods (Birner et al. 2001. Mod. Pathol. 14:702-709), and d) it is modestly specific for predicting of cervical precancer and cancer risk. Some of its non-specificity for clinical end points can be ascribed to cross-reactivity with non-carcinogenic HPV genotypes (Castle, P. E., D. Solomon, C. M. Wheeler, P. E. Gravitt, S. Wacholder, and M. Schiffman. 2008. Human papillomavirus genotype specificity of hybrid capture 2. J Clin Microbiol 46:2595-604). Moreover, it only allows for the assessment whether a subject is infected with HPV or not. The test does not allow for assessing the severity of a HPV infection. Thus, once HPV has been diagnosed, further examinations are required.

Several PCR-based methods were developed within the last years, allowing a more precise detection of HPV infection. The majority of these PCR systems use consensus or general primers that bind to highly conserved regions of the HPV genome, e.g. in the L1 region. The amplified PCR products are then subjected to further analysis (e.g. sequencing, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis or hybridization) in order to identify specific mucosal HPV genotypes. Longitudinal cohort studies have shown that combined Pap and HPV testing exhibit better sensitivity and predict better long-term protection (among women with normal results of both tests) against CIN3 than cytological testing alone (Bulkmans, N. W., J. Berkhof, L. Rozendaal, F. J. van Kemenade, A. J. Boeke, S. Bulk, F. J. Voorhorst, R. H. Verheijen, K. van Groningen, M. E. Boon, W. Ruitinga, M. van Ballegooijen, P. J. Snijders, and C. J. Meijer. 2007. Human papillomavirus DNA testing for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 and cancer: 5-year follow-up of a randomised controlled implementation trial. Lancet 370:1764-72, Hoyer, H., C. Scheungraber, R. Kuehne-Heid, K. Teller, C. Greinke, S. Leistritz, B. Ludwig, M. Durst, and A. Schneider. 2005. Cumulative 5-year diagnoses of CIN2, CIN3 or cervical cancer after concurrent high-risk HPV and cytology testing in a primary screening setting. Int J Cancer 116:136-43.). However, the high sensitivity of HPV PCR tests leads also to the identification of clinically not relevant infections or regressing lesions. Therefore, the positive predictive value (PPV) for the presence of an advanced lesion or the development of cervical cancer after an individual high-risk HPV DNA positive result is low. The resulting high proportion of test-positive but disease-negative diagnoses cause over-treatment, additional costs and considerable anxiety for women concerned (International Agency for Research on Cancer. 2005. Cervix Cancer Screening. IARC Press, Lyon).

Unlike HPV DNA testing, RNA detection allows the identification and analysis of transcriptionally active viruses. A recent introduction of preservation media for cervical smears that, apart from DNA and cell morphology, also conserves RNA, enhanced the development of RNA detection methods. To date, two commercial HPV RNA detection assays have been introduced: i) PreTect HPV Proofer® from Biomérieux (formerly NorChip) that detects early full-length mRNA targeting E6 and E7 sequences (E6/E7) from HR-HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45, and ii) the Aptima® HPV test, a broad spectrum E6/E7 full-length mRNA amplification method from GenProbe. Limited data from these tests indicate that testing for full-length HPV E6/E7 mRNA rather than HPV DNA alone only slightly increases the PPV for the development of cervical cancer and its precursors, while at the same time, sensitivity and thus the negative predictive value (NPV) is reduced (Cuschieri, K. S., M. J. Whitley, and H. A. Cubie. 2004. Human papillomavirus type specific DNA and RNA persistence—implications for cervical disease progression and monitoring. J Med Virol 73:65-70). The main disadvantage of these technologies refers to the fact that they cannot predict disease due to only qualitative measurement of a single full-length viral oncogene transcript. Moreover, cervical smears can comprise different amounts of HPV-infected cells that cannot be controlled for by these technologies.

The development of cervical cancer is closely linked to the integration of the HPV genome into the chromosome of the host cells. In low-grade lesions, the majority of HPV genomes are present in an episomal state, whereas in high-grade lesions and carcinoma, the HPV genome can be integrated into the host genome. However, it has been demonstrated that not in all cases of cervical carcinoma the HPV genome is present in an integrated form (Vinokurova, S., N. Wentzensen, I. Kraus, R. Klaes, C. Driesch, P. Melsheimer, F. Kisseljov, M. Durst, A. Schneider, and M. von Knebel Doeberitz. 2008. Type-dependent integration frequency of human papillomavirus genomes in cervical lesions. Cancer Res 68:307-13.). Integration of the HPV16 genome into the host genome is only found in app. 60% of cervical cancer cases. Thus, diagnostic means which determine only the integration status of the HPV genome are not reliable for risk stratification.

It has been proposed that quantification of certain transcripts of HPV16, e.g. the E1C transcript, and comparing the amounts of these transcripts to the amount of a reference transcript is of great value (Schmitt et al. (2010), “Diagnosing Cervical Cancer and High-Grade Precursors by HPV 16 Transcription Patterns”, Cancer Res. 70: 249-256) in the prediction of disease progression. This, however, could only be shown for HP16 so far.

Colposcopy allows for examining the uterine cervix and vagina. By this visual examination, many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas can be detected. Due to its high reliability, colposcopy is regarded to be the goldstandard for diagnosing cervical diseases. This diagnostic procedure, however, is cost- and time-intensive. Colposcopy requires highly trained personnel and often involves an invasive procedure (biopsy with subsequent histologic analysis). Consequently, colposcopy cannot be used in cervical cancer precursor screening programs.

The technical problem underlying the present invention may be seen as the provision of means and methods for efficiently and reliably differentiating between mild and severe forms of infection with high-risk HPV genotypes (HR-HPV) without the drawbacks as referred to above. Also, means and methods are required for a reliable risk stratification of subjects not having the HPV genome integrated into the genome. The technical problem is solved by the embodiments characterized in the claims and herein below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the current invention relates to a method for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, said subject not comprising the HR-HPV genome in an integrated form, comprising the steps a) determining, in a sample of said subject, the presence or absence of a gene product of E1C, and b) differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

The method of the present invention, preferably, is an in vitro method. Moreover, it may comprise steps in addition to those explicitly mentioned above. For example, further steps may relate to sample pre-treatments or evaluation of the results obtained by the method. The method of the present invention preferably is used for differentiating between mild and severe form of HR-HPV infection in subjects being infected with HR-HPV. However, the method of the present invention may also be used for monitoring, confirmation, and sub-classification of said subject. The method may be carried out manually or assisted by automation. Preferably, steps (a) and/or (b) may in total or in part be assisted by automation, e.g., by a suitable robotic and sensory equipment for the determination in step (a), or a computer-implemented calculation or comparison step in step (b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “differentiating” as used herein means to distinguish between (i) a mild form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a severe form of HR-HPV infection. The term as used herein, preferably, includes differentially diagnosing/detecting a mild and severe form of HR-HPV infection.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the aforementioned differentiation is usually not intended to be correct for 100% of the subjects to be analyzed. The term, however, requires that the assessment will be valid for a statistically significant portion of the subjects to be analyzed. Whether a portion is statistically significant can be determined without further ado by the person skilled in the art using various well known statistic evaluation tools, e.g., determination of confidence intervals, p-value determination, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, etc. Details are found in Dowdy and Wearden, Statistics for Research, John Wiley & Sons, New York 1983. Preferred confidence intervals are at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 98% or at least 99 %. The p-values are, preferably, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, or 0.001. Preferably, the probability envisaged by the present invention allows that the differentiation will be correct for at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the subjects of a given cohort.

The term “subject” as used herein relates to animals, preferably mammals, and, more preferably, humans. However, it is envisaged in accordance with the aforementioned method of the present invention that the subject shall be infected with HR-HPV. Preferably, the subject is infected with HR-HPV selected from the group consisting of HPV18, HPV33, HPV35, HPV52, or HOV58 (see elsewhere herein). How to assess whether a subject is infected with HR-HPV is well known in the art. E.g., HR-HPV infection can be assessed by genotyping HR-HPV DNA in a sample of a subject by Southern and dot blot hybridisation, in situ hybridisation, by signal amplification assays, or by various PCR methods (Molijn, A., B. Kleter, W. Quint, and L. J. van Doorn. 2005. Molecular diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. J Clin Virol 32 Suppl 1:S43-51).

The term “not comprising the HR-HPV genome in an integrated form” as used herein relates to absence of HR-HPV DNA covalently linked to the chromosomal DNA of the host cell. The terms “integrated” and “episomal” are understood by the skilled person. It is to be understood that, if the HR-HPV genome is integrated into the genome of a subject, not the entire cells of said subject will have the HR-HPV genome integrated into its genome. Preferably, only cells that are affected by HR-HPV infection may comprise the HR-HPV genome in an integrated form. Preferably, said cells are present in the urogenital or oropharyngeal tract of said subject. It is to be understood that the term “integrated form” also encompasses the integration of parts of the HR-HPV into chromosomal DNA of the host cell. Preferably, the early region of the HR-HPV genome, including genes for E6, E7 and parts of the E1 N-terminus, is integrated into the host genome. It is to be understood that also the late region, including the E4, E5 and L1 genes, of the HR-HPV genome may be integrated into the host genome, however, most preferably, are transcriptionally inactive due to genomic rearrangements. Moreover, it is known that the E2 gene is usually lost during integration or transcriptionally inactivated (Pett, M., and N. Coleman. 2007. Integration of high-risk human papillomavirus: a key event in cervical carcinogenesis? J Pathol 212:356-67). The HR-HPV genome is, preferably, present in an “episomal form” in a host cell, if said genome replicates in said host cell without being integrated into the chromosomal DNA of the host cell (Vinokurova, S., N. Wentzensen, I. Kraus, R. Klaes, C. Driesch, P. Melsheimer, F. Kisseljov, M. Durst, A. Schneider, and M. von Knebel Doeberitz. 2008. Type-dependent integration frequency of human papillomavirus genomes in cervical lesions. Cancer Res 68:307-13).

High-risk HPV types, apart from HPV 16 are well known contributing to ˜45% of all cervical cancers. It has been demonstrated that integration plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of all high-risk HPV types. However, for high-risk HPV types 16 and phylogenetically related types 31 and 33, integration occurs less frequently, suggesting a second mode of progression such as a potential E1C-mediated upregulation of the LCR or, as the E1C and E2 open reading frames overlap, by a suppression of E2 translation after translation termination of E1C. But still for a large proportion cervical cancer caused by these HPV types and for a very high proportion of cervical cancers caused by other types, including HPV 18, and 45, integration is the key event in the development of cervical cancer (Vinokurova, S., N. Wentzensen, I. Kraus, R. Klaes, C. Driesch, P. Melsheimer, F. Kisseljov, M. Durst, A. Schneider, and M. von Knebel Doeberitz. 2008. Type-dependent integration frequency of human papillomavirus genomes in cervical lesions. Cancer Res 68:307-13).

How to assess the integration status of the HR-HPV genome is well known in the art. Preferably, the integration status is determined in a sample of the subject. Preferred methods for determining the integration status are (i) methods that detect virus-host fusion transcripts, particularly transcriptionally active viral integrants, e.g. by amplification of papillomavirus oncogene transcripts (APOT-assay) and RNA in situ hybridisation (ISH); and (ii) methods that detect integrated viral DNA regardless of its transcriptional status, e.g. Southern blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, restriction-site PCR, and DNA ISH (Pett, M., and N. Coleman. 2007. Integration of high-risk human papillomavirus: a key event in cervical carcinogenesis? J Pathol 212:356-67).

Generally, subjects comprising the HR-HPV genome in an episomal form only are considered to be at a lower risk for suffering from HSIL or cancer than subjects with the HPV16 genome in an integrated form (for an explanation of the terms “episomal form” and “integrated forms” see herein above). However, there is evidence that some subjects comprising the HPV genome only in an episomal form suffer from severe forms of HPV infection or are at elevated risk of suffering thereof (Vinokurova, S., N. Wentzensen, I. Kraus, R. Klaes, C. Driesch, P. Melsheimer, F. Kisseljov, M. Durst, A. Schneider, and M. von Knebel Doeberitz. 2008. Type-dependent integration frequency of human papillomavirus genomes in cervical lesions. Cancer Res 68:307-13, Pett, M., and N. Coleman. 2007. Integration of high-risk human papillomavirus: a key event in cervical carcinogenesis? J Pathol 212:356-67).

The term “human papillomavirus” (HPV) relates to a DNA virus from the paplliomaviridae family of viruses that infects the skin and mucous membranes of humans. More than 110 HPV genotypes have been described (de Villiers, E. M., C. Fauquet, T. R. Broker, H. U. Bernard, and H. zur Hausen. 2004. Classification of papillomaviruses. Virology 324:17-27). Approximately 50 HPV genotypes are known to infect the mucosa. These mucosal genotypes are classified into three different groups based on their epidemiological association with cancer: “low-risk” human papillomaviruses (LR-HPV), “high-risk” human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and “putative high-risk” human papillomaviruses (pHR-HPV). Preferably, HPVs are High-risk HPV genotypes (HR-HPVs), which are the main cause for the development of cervical cancer, more preferably HPVs are HPV 31, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73 and 82, most preferably HPV 18 (Genbank Acc. No: NC_001357.1, GI:9626069), HPV 33 (Genbank Acc. No: M12732.1, GI:333049), HPV 35 (Genbank Acc. No: M74117.1, GI:333050), HPV 52 (Genbank Acc. No: X74481.1 GI:397038), or HPV 58 (Genbank Acc. No: D90400.1 GI:222386). It is also known that HR-HPVs can cause vulvar, anal, vaginal, penile and oropharyngeal cancer, as well as vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, and penile intraepithelial neoplasia.

The HPV genome usually is single molecule of double stranded, circular closed DNA. E.g., the HPV16 genome consists of a single molecule of double-stranded, circular closed DNA with approximately 7,906 base pairs (see. e.g. Myers, G., H. Delius, J. Icenogle, H. U. Bernard, M. Favre, M. van Ranst, and C. M. Wheeler. 1997. Human papillomaviruses 1997: a compilation and analysis of nucleic acid and amino add sequences. Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N. Mex.). Three open reading frames (ORF) are located on one strand. Three functional areas have been defined, the long control region (LCR), and the “early” and the “late” transcription regions. The LCR is an 850 bp long non-coding upstream region responsible for the regulation of DNA replication and transcription. It contains several binding sites for the viral E2 and other cellular transcription factors and a binding site for the viral E1 replication protein. Furthermore, it contains silencer as well as enhancer sequences and harbours the p97 core promoter close to the E6 ORF; it is the region of the highest degree of variation in the viral genome. The “early” region, consists of the ORF E1, E2, E4, E5, E6 and E7, which are involved in viral replication and cell transformation. The “late” region encodes the L1 and L2 structural proteins that form the viral capsid. Of the “early” proteins, the two most important HPV proteins for malignant diseases are E6 and E7, which act synergistically to transform cells from normal to immortal state. It is known in the art that the HPV transcriptions exhibit several splice donor (e.g. at nucleotide positions 226, 880, 1302 and 3632 of the HPV16R reference genome) and splice acceptor sites (e.g. at nucleotide positions 409, 526, 742, 2582, 2709, 3358 and 5639 of the HPV16R reference genome) resulting in at least 11 different splice junctions (Baker, C., and C. Calef. 1996. Maps of papillomavirus mRNA transcripts. Los Alamos National Laboratories, Los Alamos, N. Mex., USA.; Zheng, Z. M., and C. C. Baker. 2006. Papillomavirus genome structure, expression, and post-transcriptional regulation. Front Biosci 11:2286-302.). Splicing products are characterized herein based on the splice donor and acceptor sites used for generating the products. The respective splice donor and acceptor are separated by “̂”.

It is known in the art that infection with HR-HPV can be subclassified in various manifestations. Cervical cancer develops from areas of persistent HR-HPV infection through a series of well-defined stages that are histologically classified as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 to 3 (CIN1 to CIN3). The stages of HR-HPV progression are also cytologically known as low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL and HSIL). LSIL is equivalent to CIN1, whereas CIN2 and CIN3, preferably, are equivalent to HSIL. Initial infection with HPV16 can lead to the development of CIN1 which is manifested by inhibition of normal differentiation in the lower third of the epithelium. The majority of these lesions regress spontaneously in immunocompetent individuals, probably mediated by cellular immunity. However, in some individuals there is a risk, e.g. due to inherited or induced immune deficiencies that the infection with HR-HPV persists and that CIN1 lesions progress to a CIN2 lesion. A CIN2 lesion also shows a high regression rate, however, a CIN2 lesion may also progress to a high-grade disease (CIN3) which may progress to carcinoma (carcinoma in situ or even invasive) carcinoma.

The “mild form of HR-HPV infection” as meant herein, preferably, refers to a form of HR-HPV infection that is histologically classified as normal cervical tissue or as CIN1 (minimal or mild cervical dysplasia), or cytologically classified as NIL/M (negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy) or as LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions). Thus, the mild form of HR-HPV infection, preferably, encompasses benign cervical lesions, and, thus, mild grade HR-HPV lesions (for a review see Smith, J. H. 2002. Bethesda 2001. Cytopathology 13:4-10).

A “severe form of HR-HPV infection” as meant herein, preferably, refers to a form of HR-HPV infection that is histologically classified as CIN2 (moderate cervical epithelial dysplasia) or CIN3 (severe cervical dysplasia) or cancer (in situ or invasive). Accordingly, the term “severe form of HR-HPV infection” preferably, refers to a form of HR-HPV infection that is cytologically classified as HSIL or cancer. Thus, the severe form of HR-HPV infection, preferably, encompasses malign cervical lesions, and, thus, high-grad HR-HPV lesions (for a review see Smith, J. H. 2002. Bethesda 2001. Cytopathology 13:4-10).

A sample can be obtained by well known techniques and include samples from those cells, tissues or organs which express or produce the gene products referred to herein. Preferably, the samples are scrapes or biopsies from the urogenital or the oropharyngeal tract. Such samples can be obtained by use of brushes, (cotton) swabs, spatula, rinse/wash fluids, punch biopsy devices, puncture of cavities with needles or surgical instrumentation. Preferably, the scrapes contain mucosal cells. More preferably, the sample is a cervical smear or Pap smear. Separated cells may be obtained from the body fluids or the tissues or organs by separating techniques such as filtration, centrifugation or cell sorting. Moreover, the sample may be further processed by well known methods in order to further enrich and/or purify the gene products as referred to herein. The further processing of a gene product, preferably, depends on the nature of the gene product, i.e. whether the gene product is a polypeptide or an RNA molecule. Preferably, if the gene product is a polypeptide, then polypeptides are enriched and/or purified by methods well known by the skilled person. Preferably, if the gene product is an mRNA molecule, then said RNA molecules may enriched and/or purified by methods well known in the art.

The term “gene product” as used herein, preferably, relates to a transcript, and thus to mRNA, or to a polypeptide.

The gene product of E1C, preferably, is a transcript from the E1 gene isolated from a sample from an individual affected with a severe form of HR-HPV infection which has been spliced to comprise a splice junction which has a splice donor site at a position between positions 800 and 1000, preferably between positions 850 and 950 of die HPV genome, and a splice acceptor site between positions 2400 and 2900, preferably between positions 2500 and 2800 of the HPV genome. Preferably, the product of E1C is a transcript from the E1 gene which has been spliced to comprise a deletion of 1500 to 2100, preferably 1600 to 2000, or more preferably 1700 to 1900 nucleotides of the 5′ part of the E1 gene, more preferably between the positions described supra. More preferably, the gene product is a spliced transcript comprising a 929̂2779 junction of HPV18, a spliced transcript comprising a 894̂2702 junction of HPV33, a spliced transcript comprising a 883̂2649 junction of HPV35, a spliced transcript comprising a 879̂2696 junction of HPV52, or a spliced transcript comprising a 898̂2706 junction of HPV58. Most preferably the gene product is a spliced transcript comprising the 929̂2779 junction of HPV18 comprised in a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, comprising the 894̂2702 junction of HPV33 comprised in a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, comprising the 883̂2649 junction of HPV35 comprised in a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, comprising the 879̂2696 junction of HPV52 comprised in a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 25, or comprising the 898̂2706 junction of HPV58 comprised in a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 26 (Table 1).

TABLE 1 E1C splice junctions, proteins and preferred probes for HPV18, HPV33, and HPC35 All Sequences are shown as DNA sequences as they are obtained by sequencing. Nonetheless, the splice donor and splice acceptor sequences as well as the sequences comprising the splice junctions are comprised in RNA in the cell. The person skilled in the art knows how to transcribe DNA sequences to RNA sequences. E1C splice junction  Reference in refer- Splice Splice sequence comprising Probe HPV genome ence genome donor acceptor splice junction sequence 18 NC_001357.1 929{circumflex over ( )}2779 TGATCCAGAAG GACATGGTCCAGA TGATCCAGAAGGACATGGTCCAGA AGAAGGACAT (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO: 4) (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 1) (SEQ ID NO: 13) NO: 10) 33 M12732.1 894{circumflex over ( )}2702 CGATCCTGAAG GACGTGGTGCAAA CGATCCTGAAGGACGTGGTGCAAA TGAAGGACGT (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO: 5) (SEQ ID NO: 8) (SEQ ID NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 14) NO: 11) 35 M74117.1 883{circumflex over ( )}2649 TGATCCTGCAG GACGTGGTGCAGA TGATCCTGCAGGACGTGGTGCAGA TGCAGGACGT (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 9) (SEQ ID NO: 3) (SEQ ID NO: 15) NO: 12) 52 X74481.1 879{circumflex over ( )}2696 GGACCCTGAAG GACGTGGTGC GGACCCTGAAGGACGTGGTGC TGAAGGACGT (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO: 27) (SEQ ID NO: 29) (SEQ ID NO: 25) (SEQ ID NO: 32) NO: 11) 58 D90400.1 898{circumflex over ( )}2706 TGACCCTGAAG GACGTGGTGCAAA TGACCCTGAAGGACGTGGTGCAAA CTGAAGGACGT (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO: 28) (SEQ ID NO: 30) (SEQ ID NO: 26) (SEQ ID NO: 33) NO: 31)

It is, however, also contemplated that the gene product of E1C is a polypeptide translated from said spliced transcripts of the E1 gene. Preferably, the gene product of E1C is a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence madpeghgpd for HPV18 (SEQ ID NO: 22), madpegrgan for HPV33 (SEQ ID NO: 23), madpagrgad for HPV35 (SEQ ID NO: 24), medpegrgan for HPV52 (SEQ ID NO: 34), or mddpegrgan for HPV 58 (SEQ ID NO: 35). More preferably, the gene product of E1C is a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence madpeghgpd for HPV18 (SEQ ID NO: 22), madpegrgan for HPV33 (SEQ ID NO: 23), madpagrgad for HPV35 (SEQ ID NO: 24), medpegrgan for HPV52 (SEQ ID NO: 34), or mddpegrgan for HPV 58 (SEQ ID NO: 35).

The term “amount” as used herein encompasses the absolute amount of a gene product, the relative amount or concentration of the said gene product as well as any value or parameter which correlates thereto or can be derived there from. Such values or parameters comprise intensity signal values from all specific physical or chemical properties obtained from the said gene product by direct measurements. Moreover, encompassed are all values or parameters which are obtained by indirect measurements specified elsewhere in this description. E.g. for polypeptides response levels can be determined from biological read out systems in response to the peptides or intensity signals obtained from specifically bound ligands. It is to be understood that values correlating to the aforementioned amounts or parameters can also be obtained by all standard mathematical operations.

Preferably, determining the amount of polynucleotides or amplification products referred to in this invention relates to measuring the amount or concentration, preferably semi-quantitatively or quantitatively. Preferably, the determination includes a normalization step for the quantification of transcripts. Exemplarily, this normalization process will be briefly described for NASBA target amplification method. Normalization and thus quantification is preferably achieved by adding a predefined amount of calibrator RNA (Q-RNA) to the amplification mixture. Said calibrator RNA, preferably, shall be in vitro-transcribed RNA that can be amplified by the same oligonucleotides that are capable of specifically amplifying the transcripts to be analyzed. However, said Q-RNAs shall comprise a specific target region for a probe oligonucleotide (i.e. a target region not comprised by the transcript to be analyzed). Said specific target region shall allow for differentiating between the amplification product of the transcript to be analyzed and the amplification product of the Q-RNA. The principle of the normalization is the competitive co-amplification of Q-RNA and the mRNA to be analyzed with the same oligonucleotide pair (van Gemen et al. 1993: Quantification of HIV-1 RNA in plasma using NASBA during HIV-1 primary infection. J Virol Methods 43:177-87). It is to be understood that Q-RNA amounts, preferably, need to be titrated for each mRNA to be analyzed in the context of the present invention. For quantification expression levels can be compared to a standard curve using in vitro transcribed mRNA or to suitable reference material. This can be done by the skilled person without further ado.

The term “determining the presence or absence of a gene product” is understood by the skilled person. As used herein the term, preferably, relates to assessing whether a gene product is absent or present in a sample. Preferably, the presence of a gene product of E1C in a sample from a subject indicates that said subject suffers from a severe from of HR-HPV infection. Preferably, the absence of a gene product of E1C in a sample from a subject in a sample indicates that said subject suffers from a mild form of HPV infection.

Assessing whether a gene product is present or absent in a sample can be done by well known methods. E.g., if the number of molecules of a gene product is below detection limit, it will be concluded that the gene product is absent; if said number of molecules is above the detection limit. It will be concluded that the gene product is present in the sample. It is to be understood that the detection limit may depend on the type of detection system used; e.g. in PCR-based assays one molecule of a transcript may be detected, whereas in an ELISA assay several polypeptide molecules may be necessary to provide a detectable signal. The person skilled in the art knows how to adjust the detection system employed for maximum sensitivity and reliability, including inclusion of appropriate controls. The method used for determination of the amount of a gene product depends on the nature of the gene product, i.e. whether the gene product is a transcript or a polypeptide.

Determining the presence of the absence of a gene product in a sample can also be done by determining the amount of a the gene product in said sample and comparing the, thus determined amount to a reference amount. Determination of the amount of a transcript, and thus the amount of an mRNA, in a sample of a subject can be done by any method deemed appropriate. Preferably, the amount of a transcript is determined by using a probe oligonucleotide that specifically detects the transcript to be analyzed. All methods for determining the amount of a transcript could also be used to determine the presence or absence of a gene product, as described herein above.

The determination of the amount of a transcript or an amplification product thereof, by specific probe oligonucleotides, preferably, comprises the step of hybridizing a transcript or an amplification product (for an explanation of “amplification products”, see below) thereof with probe oligonucleotides that specifically bind to the transcript or the amplification product thereof. A probe oligonucleotide in the context of the present invention, preferably, is a single-stranded nucleic add molecule that is specific for said transcript or the amplification product thereof. The skilled person knows that a probe oligonucleotide comprises a stretch of nucleotides that specifically hybridizes with the target and, thus, is complementary to the target polynucleotide. Said stretch of nucleotides is, preferably, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more preferably 100% identical to a sequence region comprised by a target polynucleotide.

In order to allow specific detection of a transcript or amplification product thereof, the probe oligonucleotide, preferably, specifically binds to the transcript or amplification product to be detected, but not to other polynucleotides comprised by said sample. How to choose suitable probe oligonucleotides is known in the art.

Examples for sequences suitably comprised in probe oligonucleotides for detecting splice junctions are shown in Table 1 (“Probe sequences”, SEQUENCE ID NOs: 10, 11, 12, and 31). It is to be understood that said sequence suitably comprised is identical for HPV33 and HPV52; the person skilled in the art knows how to add extensions to probe oligonucleotides in order to obtain probe oligonucleotides specifically hybridizing with a given sequence, e.g. either hybridizing specifically to the E1C transcript of HPV33 or to the E1C transcript of HPV52, in case diffentiation between the E1C transcript of HPV33 and the E1C transcript of HPV52 is desired. Increase of specificity of probe oligonucleotides for detecting E1C transcriptsis obtained by extending probe sequences at the 5′ and or 3′ side, preferably on both sides. Most preferably, said probe sequences are located at or dose to the center of probe oligonucleotides for detecting E1C transcripts. The person skilled in the art knows how add extensions to probe sequences in order to obtain probe oligonucleotides specifically hybridizing with a given sequence.

The probe oligonucleotides of the present invention may be labelled or contain other modifications including enzymes which allow a determination of the amount of a transcript or an amplification product thereof. Labelling can be done by various techniques well known in the art and depending of the label to be used. Preferred labels are described elsewhere in this specification.

The probe oligonucleotide may be bound to a solid surface or present in a liquid phase. As an example, the probe oligonucleotides are bound to a carrier providing a solid surface. Preferably, said carrier is a small particle or bead. The overall size of a small particle or bead, preferably, may be in the micrometer or nanometer range. Said beads and particles may be stained with a specific dye, more preferably with a specific fluorescent dye. Preferably, by staining various carriers with various dyes, the carries can be distinguished from each other. By using a carrier with a specific dye for a specific probe oligonucleotide (thus, a nucleic acid that targets the amplified polynucleotides of a specific sequence), said carrier is distinguishable from other carriers comprising different dyes. In one preferred embodiment commercially available Luminex microspheres (Luminex Corp., Austin, Tex., USA) are used. Thus, for detection of a transcript or amplification product thereof, the probes are coupled to fluorescence-labelled polystyrene beads (Luminex suspension array technology) which are hybridized with the amplification products under suitable, preferably, stringent conditions. Moreover, the amplification products may be identified by use of microarrays, Reverse-Line Blots (RLB), Dot blots or similar technologies which contain specific oligonucleotides linked to a suitable carrier. Probe oligonucleotides present in a liquid phase may bind to immobilised target nucleic acid molecules or amplified polynucleotides. Specific labels or modifications known by persons skilled in the art may allow target detection or signal amplification. In addition, amplification products may be detected by size separation e.g. gel or capillary electrophoresis, by nucleotide composition, using e.g. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, or by real-time and signal amplification methods as described elsewhere herein.

The person skilled in the art is able to select suitable probe oligonucleotides. For the determination of spliced transcripts, it is particularly contemplated to determine the amount of said alternatively spliced mRNAs by using probe oligonucleotides that specifically bind to the nucleotides flanking the splice junction, and, thus bind the nucleic acid sequence that is generated by connecting the respective specific splice donor and splice acceptor nucleotide.

Preferably, the determination of the amount of a transcript comprises the steps of amplifying the said transcript with oligonucleotides that specifically amplify said transcript and determining the amount of the, thus, amplified transcripts. Thus, for determination of the amount of a transcript, it is particularly preferred to amplify the transcript by suitable methods described elsewhere herein, and then to determine the amount of the amplification product. Alternatively, the determination of the amount of a transcript is achieved by signal amplification methods with oligonucleotide probes that specifically bind said transcript and allow linear signal amplification and subsequent determination of the amplified signal.

An oligonucleotide for the amplification of transcripts in the context of the present invention shall comprise a number of nucleotides being sufficient for specific binding to a sequence stretch of a target polynucleotide. Preferably, an oligonucleotide as meant herein has between 15 and 40 nucleotides in length, more preferably between 18 and 30 nucleotides in length, and most preferably between 20-27 nucleotides in length. A probe oligonucleotide in the context of the present invention allows detection of a transcript as referred to herein and/or amplification products of said transcript (see elsewhere herein). By detecting a transcript or an amplification product thereof, the amount of a specific transcript can be assessed in a sample of a subject with HPV16. In order to allow specific detection of a transcript or an amplification product thereof, the probe oligonucleotide has to be sufficiently complementary to the transcript or amplification product thereof, or to parts of said transcript or said amplification product. Particularly preferred oligonucleotides have the specific sequences and/or properties referred to herein.

Particularly, the oligonucleotides may be biotinylated in order to enable the binding of the amplification products to a streptavidin surface or fluorescent conjugate. Moreover, labels to be used in the context of the present invention may be, but are not limited to, fluorescent labels comprising, inter alia, fluorochromes such as R-phycoerythrin, Cy3, Cy5, fluorescein, rhodamin, Alexa, or Texas Red. However, the label may also be an enzyme or an antibody. It is envisaged that an enzyme to be used as a label will generate a detectable signal by reacting with a substrate. Suitable enzymes, substrates and techniques are well known in the art. An antibody to be used as label may specifically recognize a target molecule which can be detected directly (e.g., a target molecule which is itself fluorescent) or indirectly (e.g., a target molecule which generates a detectable signal, such as an enzyme). Moreover, the oligonucleotides may contain generic sequences that allow detection by hybridisation to complementary detector probes that may contain any of the aforementioned labels or modifications. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may also contain 5′-restriction sites, locked nucleic acid molecules (LNA) or be part of a peptide nucleic acid molecule (PNA). Such PNA can be, in principle, detected via the peptide part by, e.g., antibodies.

How to amplify a transcript is well known in the art. Amplification of a transcript, preferably, is a template-dependent process which results in an increase of the amount of a corresponding nucleic acid molecule relative to the initial amounts. The amplification product, preferably, is a nucleic acid, DNA or RNA. It is to be understood that amplification of a transcript may comprise additional steps such as reverse transcription of the transcript by well known methods.

How to amplify a target signal is well known in the art. Amplification of a signal, preferably, is a template-dependent process which results in an increase of the amount of a reporter signal relative to the initial amounts. The reporter signal, preferably, is a visible light, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and luminescence. Methods for signal amplification are well-known in the art and may be based on tyramide signal amplification, branched DNA amplification, Dendrimer® amplification, padlock probes and rolling circle amplification, Invader® signal amplification and other signal amplification methods.

The amplification of a transcript of interest may be carried out by well-known methods, preferably by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), by reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic add sequence-based amplification (NASBA), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) and other isothermal amplification methods using enzymes and specific oligonucleotides as primers. PCR methods are well known in the art. Preferably, the amplification is by using suitable oligonucleotides pairs.

The current invention is not restricted to any of the aforementioned technologies. As an exemplary method for the amplification of transcripts, NASBA technology will be briefly summarised. NASBA is an oligonucleotide-dependent technology for the amplification of nucleic acids at one temperature. The sample comprising die transcript to be amplified is added to a reaction mixture comprising at least two transcript specific oligonucleotides for the amplification of said transcript. The first oligonucleotide, containing the T7 RNA promoter sequence, binds to its target site at the 3′ end of the template. By reverse transcription a RNA/DNA hybrid is generated. The enzyme RNAse H degrades the RNA portion. After degradation of the RNA template, the second oligonucleotide binds to the 3′-end of the single-stranded cDNA and double-stranded DNA containing an intact T7 RNA promoter is generated. Then, the enzyme T7 RNA polymerase linearly generates antisense RNA. Each newly synthesized antisense RNA molecule can itself act as a template with the second primer and is converted to a DNA intermediate with a functional T7 promoter. However, in this case the oligonucleotide primers anneal in reverse order because the newly generated RNA molecules are opposite in orientation to the original target and the resulting DNA intermediate is only partly double-stranded. In this manner, many RNA copies are generated from each RNA target that re-enter the reaction resulting in the linear synthesis of RNA products under isothermal conditions. An approximately 10⁶- to 10⁹-fold amplification is obtained within 90 min (Compton, J. 1991. Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification. Nature 350:91-2).

In order to specifically amplify spliced mRNAs as referred to herein, the oligonucleotide pair for the amplification of the transcript, preferably, shall be capable to specifically amplify the nucleic acid region that comprises the respective splicing junction. Therefore, the oligonucleotides for the amplification shall specifically bind the transcript (or the complementary strand thereof, particularly a complementary DNA or RNA strand that is generated by approaches described elsewhere herein) 5′ and 3′ from the splicing junction (one primer 3′, one primer 5′). An amplification product generated by using the aforementioned oligonucleotides will comprise the respective splice junction. It is, however, also contemplated by the current invention that one oligonucleotide of the oligonucleotide pair specifically binds to the region of the E1C transcript comprising the splicing junction, such that specific binding, and thus amplification, can only occur if said E1C transcript is present in the sample. In such case, the absence of a transcript of the expected length is diagnostic for the absence of said transcript, and, thus, of a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

Determining the amount of polypeptides referred to in this specification relates to measuring the amount or concentration, preferably semi-quantitatively or quantitatively. Measuring can be done directly or indirectly. Direct measuring relates to measuring the amount or concentration of the peptide or polypeptide based on a signal which is obtained from the peptide or polypeptide itself and the intensity of which directly correlates with the number of molecules of the peptide present in the sample. Such a signal—sometimes referred to herein as intensity signal—may be obtained, e.g., by measuring an intensity value of a specific physical or chemical property of the peptide or polypeptide. Indirect measuring includes measuring of a signal obtained from a secondary component (i.e. a component not being the peptide or polypeptide itself) or a biological read out system, e.g., measurable cellular responses, ligands, labels, or enzymatic reaction products.

In accordance with the present invention, determining the amount of a polypeptide can be achieved by ail known means for determining the amount of a peptide in a sample. Said means comprise immunoassay devices and methods which may utilize labelled molecules in various sandwich, competition, or other assay formats. Said assays will develop a signal which is indicative for the presence or absence of the peptide or polypeptide. Moreover, the signal strength can, preferably, be correlated directly or indirectly (e.g. reverse-proportional) to the amount of polypeptide present in a sample. Further suitable methods comprise measuring a physical or chemical property specific for the peptide or polypeptide such as its precise molecular mass or NMR spectrum. Said methods comprise, preferably, biosensors, optical devices coupled to immunoassays, biochips, analytical devices such as mass-spectrometers, NMR-analyzers, or chromatography devices. Further, methods include micro-plate ELISA-based methods, fully-automated or robotic immunoassays (available for example on Elecsys™ analyzers), CBA (an enzymatic Cobalt Binding Assay, available for example on Roche-Hitachi™ analyzers), and latex agglutination assays (available for example on Roche-Hitachi™ analyzers).

Determination of the amount of a polypeptide, preferably, comprises the use of antibodies that specifically bind to the polypeptide to be determined. Preferably, if the polypeptide to be determined is derived from the translation of a specifically spliced HR-HPV transcript, then the antibody specifically shall bind to the region of the polypeptide that is encoded by the nucleic acids flanking the splice junction. Preferred antibodies are described elsewhere herein.

The term “reference amount” is a threshold value used to determine if an HR-HPV infection is a severe or a mild infection. If the amount of gene product of E1C determined in a sample exceeds the reference amount, the HR-HPV infection is severe; if the amount of gene product of E1C determined in a sample is equal or lower than the reference amount, the HR-HPV infection is mild. The skilled person knows how to determine the reference amount, e.g. by determining the amount of gene product of E1C in a representative set of samples where the severity of HR-HPV infection has been assessed (e.g. by the Pap-test) and using statistical analysis of the results obtained to determine the reference amount. It is to be understood that the reference amount can be zero.

The definitions made above apply mutatis mutandis to the following:

In a further embodiment, the current invention relates to a method for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, comprising the steps a) determining the amount of a first gene product in a sample of said subject, said first gene product being a gene product of E1C, b) determining the amount of a second gene product in said sample, c) calculating a ratio of the amount of said first gene product as determined in step a) and the amount of said second gene product as determined in step b), d) comparing the ratio as calculated in step c) to a reference ratio, and e) differentiating between (1) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

Preferably, the aforementioned method comprises the calculation of ratios of the amount of a gene product of E1C and a reference amount. A reference amount according to the invention is the amount of a second gene product, wherein the amount of said second gene product is known not to increase in cases of severe HR-HPV infection, as it is e.g. the case for cellular housekeeping genes, or e.g. the gene products of E1̂E4, L1, or E5, expression of which either is constant or is decreased in severe HR-HPV-infection. As set forth herein above, the determination of the amount of a gene product of E1C (or a polypeptide encoded by the said spliced mRNA) is particularly advantageous for differentiating between mild and severe forms of HR-HPV infection.

The second gene product in the context of the aforementioned method of the present invention, preferably, is selected from the group consisting of, a gene product of E1̂E4, a gene product of Apm1, a gene product of Ubc, a gene product of U1A, a gene product of E1, a gene product of E5, a gene product of L1, and a gene product of E6*I.

The gene products of E1̂E4 and of E6*I preferably, are alternatively spliced mRNAs of HR-HPV or polypeptides encoded by said alternatively spliced mRNAs. The splice sites of said alternatively spliced mRNAs are summarized in table 2.

TABLE 2 Splice junctions for the E1{circumflex over ( )}E4 and E6*I transcripts of HPV 18, 33, 35, 52, and 58. HPV E1{circumflex over ( )}E4 splice junction E6*I splice junction HPV-18 929{circumflex over ( )}3434 (Meyers et al.) 233{circumflex over ( )}416 (Pim et al.) (SEQ ID NO: 13) HPV 33 894{circumflex over ( )}3351 (Snijders et al.) 231{circumflex over ( )}509 (Sotlar et (SEQ ID NO: al.) 14) HPV 35 883{circumflex over ( )}3298 (this specification) 232{circumflex over ( )}415 (Sotlar et (SEQ ID NO: al.) 15) HPV 52 879{circumflex over ( )}3345 (this specification) 224{circumflex over ( )}502 (Sotlar et (SEQ ID NO: al.) 32) HPV 58 unknown* 232{circumflex over ( )}510 (Sotlar et (SEQ ID NO: al.) 33) *The exact position of the E1{circumflex over ( )}E4 slice junction is determined according to the methods described in the references. (References:- Sotlar K, Stubner A, Dlemer D, et al. Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus E6 and E7 oncogene transcripts in cervical scrapes by nested RT-polymerase chain reaction. Journal of medical virology 2004; 74: 107-16, Pim D, Massimi P, Banks L. Alternatively spliced HPV-18 E6* protein inhibits E6 mediated degradation of p53 and suppresses transformed cell growth. Oncogene 1997; 15: 257-64. Meyers C, Mayer TJ, Ozbun MA, Synthesis of infectious human papillomavirus type 18 in differentiating epithelium transfected with viral DNA. J Virol 1997; 71: 7381-6. Snijders PJ, van den Brule AJ, Schrijnemakers HF, Raaphorst PM, Meijer CJ, Walboomers JM. Human papillomavirus type 33 in a tonsillar carcinoma generates its putative E7 mRNA via two E6* transcript species which are terminated at different early region poly(A) sites. J Virol 1992; 66: 3172-8.)

The term “gene product of E1̂E4” as used herein, preferably, refers to RNAs corresponding to 880̂3358 spliced mRNAs of HPV16, preferably transcripts comprising a 929̂3434 splice junction of HPV18 or transcripts comprising a 894̂3351 splice junction of HPV33; or the term relates to polypeptides encoded by said transcripts corresponding to the 880̂3358 spliced mRNA of HPV16, said polypeptides preferably being a fusion polypeptides of the N-terminus of the E1 polypeptide with the E4 polypeptide of HPV. Said polypeptides are expressed in the late phase of the viral life cycle. They are detected in the spinous and granular cell layers and have several functions late in infection of HPV.

The term “gene product of E6*I” as used herein, preferably, refers mRNAs corresponding to 226̂409 spliced mRNAs of HPV16, preferably transcripts comprising a 233̂416 splice junction of HPV18, transcripts comprising a 231̂509 splice junction of HPV33, or transcripts comprising a 232̂415 splice junction of HPV33; or the term relates to polypeptides encoded by said transcripts corresponding to the 226̂409 spliced mRNAs of HPV16. It has been suggested that E6*I polypeptide may transactivate the virus LCR (Alloul, N., and L. Sherman. 1999. Transcription-modulatory activities of differentially spliced cDNAs encoding the E2 protein of human papillomavirus type 16. J Gen Virol 80 (Pt 9):2461-70.).

Ubc, U1A, and Apm1 are genes that are comprised by the genome of the host cell. Thus, said genes are not encoded by the genome of HPV16. In the context of the present invention, the genes that are host-specific are also referred to as cellular genes. Gene products of Ubc, U1A and Apm1, preferably, are mRNAs and polypeptides encoded by the said genes. The method of the present invention, thus, contemplates the determination of the amount of the Ubc, U1A and Apm1 mRNAs or the Ubc, U1A and Apm1 polypeptides.

The term “Ubc” as meant herein, preferably, refers to ubiquitin C, preferably, human ubiquitin C. The nucleic add sequence as well as the amino acid sequence of human Ubc1 are well known in the art and shown e.g. in GenBank Accession No: NM_021009.4 (nucleic add sequence, SEQ ID NO: 16) and GenBank Accession No: NP_066289.2 (amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 17).

The term U1A as meant herein, preferably, refers to U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A, preferably, human U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A. The nucleic add sequence as well as the amino acid sequence of human U1A are well known in the art and shown e.g. in GenBank Accession No: NM_004596.3 (nucleic add sequence, SEQ ID NO: 18) and GenBank Accession No: NP_004587.1 (amino add sequence, SEQ ID NO: 19).

The term Apm1 as meant herein, preferably, refers to “Affected by Papillomavirus DNA integration in ME180 cells” or “zinc finger and BTB domain containing 7C” (ZBTB7C). The nucleic acid sequence as well as the amino acid sequence of human Apm1 are well known in the art and shown e.g. in GenBank Accession No: NM_001039360.1 (nucleic add sequence, SEQ ID NO: 20) and GenBank Accession No: NP_001034449.1 (amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 21).

The method of the present invention also contemplates the determination of the amount of the polynucleotides comprising the E1 transcript or the determination of the amount of the E1 polypeptide. Said polynucleotides and said polypeptide are encoded by the HR-HPV genome.

The E1 polypeptide is encoded by an unspliced E1 ORF (open reading frame)-containing transcript. E1 is essential for viral replication and shares structural similarities with the SV40 large tumour antigen. E1 exhibits ATPase, helicase and nucleotide-binding activities, interacts with the cellular DNA-polymerase α and recruits the cellular replication initiation machinery to the viral origin of replication in the LCR.

The method of the present invention also contemplates the determination of the amount of the polynucleotides comprising the E5 transcript or the determination of the amount of the E5 polypeptide. Said polynucleotides and said polypeptide are encoded by the HR-HPV genome.

The E5 polypeptide is expressed from an unspliced E2/E5 transcript but not from the E1̂E4/E5 transcript. Upon integration of the HPV genome into the host genome, E5 polypeptide and transcript expression ceases due to disruption of the E2 region. E5 is a hydrophobic membrane protein that is found in intracellular membranes and the plasma membrane. The E5 dimer is thought to be important in the early course of infection as it interacts with growth factor receptors, EGF- or PDGF-receptor, and causes their ligand-independent dimerisation followed by trans-phosphorylation of cytosolic tyrosine residues and recruitment of cellular signal transduction proteins.

The method of the present invention also contemplates the determination of the amount of the polynucleotides comprising L1 transcript or the determination of the amount of the L1 polypeptide. Said polynucleotides and said polypeptide are encoded by the HR-HPV genome.

As set forth above, the L1 polypeptide of HPV is a capsid protein. During late stages of the productive infection the major capsid protein, the L1 polypeptide is expressed in differentiated cells near the top of the epithelium and forms with L2 polypeptide of HPV16 the viral capsids in the granular layer.

The term “comparing” as used herein encompasses comparing the value determined by calculating a ratio of the amount of a first gene product as determined in step a) of the method of the present invention and the amount of said second gene product as determined in step b) of the method of the present invention to a suitable reference source specified elsewhere in this description. It is to be understood that comparing as used herein refers to a comparison of values. The comparison referred to in step d) of the methods of the present invention may be carried out manually or computer-assisted. For a computer-assisted comparison, the value of the determined amount may be compared to values corresponding to suitable references which are stored in a database by a computer program. The computer program may further evaluate the result of the comparison, i.e. automatically provide the desired assessment in a suitable output format. Based on the comparison of the ratio calculated in step c) of the methods of the present invention to a reference ratio it is possible to differentiate, in a subject with HR-HPV, between a mild form of infection with HR-HPV and a severe form of infection with HR-HPV. Therefore, the reference ratio is to be chosen so that either a difference or a similarity in the compared values allows for differentiating between a mild form of infection with HPV16 and a severe form of infection with HPV.

Accordingly, the term “reference ratio” as used herein, preferably, refers to a value which allows differentiation between a mild form and a severe form of HR-HPV infection. Accordingly, the reference may be derived from carrying out steps a) and b) of the methods of the present invention and calculating a ratio of the amount of a first gene product. In a sample of a subject with HR-HPV infection, as determined in step a) of the method of the present invention, and the amount of said second gene product as determined in step b) of the method of the present invention, said subject being known to suffer from a severe form of HR-HPV infection such as HSIL or cervical cancer. Also, the reference may be derived from carrying out steps a) and b) of the methods of the present invention and calculating a ratio of the amount of a first gene product, in a sample of a subject with HR-HPV infection, as determined in step a) of the methods of the present invention and the amount of said second gene product, in a sample of a subject with HR-HPV in a subject, as determined in step b) of the methods of the present invention, said subject being known to show exhibit a mild form of HR-HPV infection (e.g. a form classified as LSIL). Suitable reference ratios or thresholds may be determined by the method of the present invention from a reference sample to be analyzed together, i.e. simultaneously or subsequently, with the test sample. It is to be understood that the value of the reference ratio or threshold may vary depending on the nature of the gene product (transcript or polypeptide) and depending on how the amount of a gene product is determined in the sample. For example, if the determination of the amount of the first and the second gene product includes amplification of the gene product by PCR, the determined amount of a gene product may depend, e.g., on the oligonucleotides used for the PCR reaction since the amplification efficiency of various oligonucleotide pairs for the amplification of a specific gene product varies. However, the person skilled in the art considers this when calculating the reference ratio. Particularly, the person skilled knows that, preferably, the same means and methods have to be used for determining the amounts of a specific gene product in a reference sample and in a test sample.

A reference amount for a marker as set forth herein or a reference ratio in the context of the present invention can be easily established. Moreover, an amount of a marker in a test sample or ratio of two markers in a test sample from a subject can simply be compared to the reference ratio and the reference amount, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic test depends on more than just the analytical “quality” of the test—they also depend on the definition of what constitutes an abnormal result. In practice, Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, or “ROC” curves, are typically calculated by plotting the value of a variable versus its relative frequency in a population suffering from a mild form of HPV infection and a population suffering from a severe form of HPV infection. For any particular marker or ratio of markers, a distribution of marker levels or ratios of markers for subjects will likely overlap. Under such conditions, a test does not absolutely distinguish patients with a mild form of HPV infection from patients with a severe form of HPV infection with 100% accuracy, and the area of overlap indicates where the test cannot distinguish patients with a mild form of HPV infection from patients with a severe form of HPV infection. A threshold is selected, above which the test is considered as indicating a severe and below which the test is considered as indicating fibrosis. The area under the ROC curve is a measure of the probability that the perceived measurement will allow correct diagnosis of a subject. These methods are well known in the art. See, e.g., Hanley et al. Radiology 143: 29-36 (1982).

In certain embodiments, a reference amount/ratio selected to exhibit at least about 70% sensitivity, more preferably at least about 80% sensitivity, even more preferably at least about 85% sensitivity, still more preferably at least about 90% sensitivity, and most preferably at least about 95% sensitivity, combined with at least about 70% specificity, more preferably at least about 80% specificity, even more preferably at least about 85% specificity, still more preferably at least about 90% specificity, and most preferably at least about 95% specificity. In particularly preferred embodiments, both the sensitivity and specificity are at feast about 75%, more preferably at least about 80%, even more preferably at least about 85%, still more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably at least about 95%.

As set forth above, a reference may preferably, obtained from a sample from a subject to suffer from a severe form of HPV infection or a subject known to suffer from a mild form of HPV infection. The reference can also be the average or mean obtained from a group of such samples. The reference results may be obtained by applying the method of the present invention. The absolute or relative amounts of the biomarker(s) of said individuals of the population can be determined as specified elsewhere herein. How to calculate a suitable reference value or ratio, preferably, the average or median, is well known in the art. The population of subjects referred to before shall comprise a plurality of subjects, preferably, at least 5, 10, 50, 100, 1,000 or 10,000 subjects. It is to be understood that the subject to be assessed by the method of the present invention and the subjects of the said plurality of subjects are of the same species.

It is further contemplated that a “reference” will be obtained by determining the amount of a biomarker or the ratio of two biomarkers in a group of reference subjects, i.e. a group of subjects known to suffer from a severe form of HPV infection, or a group of subjects known to suffer from a mild form of HPV infection, and calculating the reference by appropriate statistic measures including those referred to elsewhere herein, such as median, average, quantiles, PLS-DA, logistic regression methods, random forest classification or others that give a threshold value. The threshold value should take the desired clinical settings of sensitivity and specificity of the test into consideration.

It is also envisaged that the assessment whether a subject suffers from a severe form of HPV infection or a mild form of HPV infection can be carried out on the degree of identity or similarity between the test results obtained from the test sample and the aforementioned reference results, i.e. based on an identical or similar amount with respect to a biomarker. For example, if the reference sample has been obtained from a subject suffering from a mild form of HPV infection and if the amount of a biomarker or if the ratio in a test sample is similar or identical to the amount of said biomarker or to the ratio in reference sample, then the presence of mild form of HPV infection can be diagnosed. The results of the test sample and the reference results are identical, if the values for the characteristic features and, in the case of quantitative determination, the intensity values are identical. Said results are similar, if the values/ratios of the characteristic features are identical but the intensity values/ratios are different. Such a difference is, preferably, not significant and shall be characterized in that the values for the intensity are within at least the interval between 1^(st) and 99^(th) percentile, 5^(th) and 95^(th) percentile, 10^(th) and 90^(th) percentile, 20^(th) and 80^(th) percentile, 30^(th) and 70^(th) percentile, 40^(th) and 60^(th) percentile of the reference value, the 50^(th), 60^(th), 70^(th), 80^(th), 90^(th) or 95^(th) percentile of the reference value.

It is also contemplated in the context of the method of the present invention, that the assessment may be based on differences between the test results obtained from the test sample and the aforementioned reference results. The same applies if a calculated reference as specified above is used. The difference, preferably, shall be an increase or a decrease with respect to a ratio as set forth herein or with respect to the absolute or relative amount of a diagnostic marker according to present invention. Preferably, the increase or decrease in the relative or absolute amount is significant, i.e. outside of the interval between 45^(th) and 55^(th) percentile, 40^(th) and 60^(th) percentile, 30^(th) and 70^(th) percentile, 20^(th) and 80^(th) percentile, 10^(th) and 90^(th) percentile, 5^(th) and 95^(th) percentile, 1^(st) and 99^(th) percentile of the reference value.

A preferred reference ratio serving as a threshold may be derived from the upper limit of normal (ULN), i.e. the upper limit of the physiological amount to be found in a population of subjects (e.g. patients enrolled for a clinical trial). The ULN for a given population of subjects can be determined by various well known techniques.

Preferably, the ratio calculated in the context of the present invention is the ratio of the amount of the first gene product to the amount of the second gene product. It is to be understood, that also the ratio of the amount of the second gene product to the first gene product can be calculated.

If the ratio of the amount of the first gene product to the amount of the second gene product is calculated, preferably, the following applies:

Preferably, a calculated ratio in the test sample larger than the reference ratio indicates a severe form of HR-HPV infection. More preferably, a calculated ratio in the test sample significantly larger than the reference ratio indicates a severe form of HR-HPV infection. Most preferably, a calculated ratio in the test sample that is statistically significantly larger than the reference ratio indicates a severe form of HR-HPV infection.

Preferably, a calculated ratio in the test sample lower than the reference ratio indicates a mild form of HR-HPV infection. More preferably, a calculated ratio in the test sample significantly lower than the reference ratio indicates a mild form of HR-HPV infection. Most preferably, said calculated ratio is statistically significantly lower than the reference ratio.

Particularly, a ratio significantly larger (or lower) or statistically significantly larger (or lower) than a reference ratio is a ratio of a size which is considered to be significant for the differentiation referred to herein. The terms “larger”, “significantly larger”, and “statistically significantly larger”, “lower”, “significantly lower”, and “statistically significantly lower” are known by the person skilled in the art. Thus, whether a ratio is larger (or lower), significantly larger (or lower) or statistically significantly larger (or lower) can be determined without further ado by the person skilled in the art using various well known statistic evaluation tools.

In a further embodiment, the current invention relates to a device for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, comprising means for determining the presence and/or amount of a gene product of E1C, and means for comparing said amount to a reference amount, allowing differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a device for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, comprising a detection agent for determining the presence and/or amount of a gene product of E1C allowing differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

Preferably, said device further comprises means for comparing the amount of a gene product of E1C to a reference amount.

The present invention also envisages a device for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, comprising a detection agent for determining the amount of a first gene product in a sample of said subject, said first gene product being a gene product of E1C, a detection agent for determining the amount of a second gene product in said sample, means for calculating a ratio of the amount of said first gene product and the amount of said second gene product, means for comparing said ratio to a reference ratio, and means differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

Moreover, the present invention envisages a device adapted for carrying out the methods of the present invention disclosed above comprising:

a) an analyzing unit comprising a detection agent which specifically binds to a gene product of E1C, adapted for determining the amount and/or presence of a gene product of E1C, and, preferably,

b) an evaluation unit for comparing said amount with a reference amount, whereby it can be differentiated in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, said unit comprising a database with at least one reference ratio derived from a subject suffering from mild form of HR-HPV infection or derived from a subject suffering from a severe form of HR-HPV infection, and a computer-implemented algorithm for carrying out the comparison.

The present invention also pertains to a device adapted for carrying out the methods of the present invention disclosed above comprising:

a) an analyzing unit comprising a detection agent which specifically binds to a first gene product, said first gene product being a gene product of E1C, adapted for determining the amount of said first gene product and, preferably, a detection agent which specifically binds to a second gene product adapted for determining the amount of said second gene product; and

b) an evaluation unit for calculating a ratio of the amount of the said first and said second gene product, and for comparing said ratio with a reference ratio, whereby it can be differentiated in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, said unit comprising a database with at least one reference ratio derived from a subject suffering from mild form of HR-HPV infection or derived from a subject suffering from a severe form of HR-HPV infection, and a computer-implemented algorithm for carrying out a comparison.

Preferred gene products of E1C as well as second gene products are specified elsewhere herein. Preferably, the HR-HPV and the corresponding gene product of E1C are

a) HPV18 and a spliced transcript comprising a 929̂2779 junction,

b) HPV33 and a spliced transcript comprising a 894̂2702 junction,

c) HPV35 and a spliced transcript comprising a 883̂2649 junction,

d) HPV52 and a spliced transcript comprising a 879̂2696 junction, or

e) HPV58 and a spliced transcript comprising a 898̂2706 junction.

The term “device” as used herein relates to a system comprising the aforementioned units operatively linked to each other as to allow the diagnosis or monitoring according to the methods of the invention. The term “detection agent” as used herein refers to an agent which is capable of specifically recognizing and binding to the gene product present in a sample. Preferred detection agents (such as probes or antibodies, oligonucleotides which specifically amplify transcripts) are disclosed in detail elsewhere herein. The determined amount and/or the presence or the absence of a gene product can be transmitted to the evaluation unit Said evaluation unit comprises a data processing element, such as a computer, with an implemented algorithm for carrying out a comparison between the determined amount and a suitable reference. Suitable references are either derived from a subject suffering from a mild form of HR-HPV infection or from a subject suffering from a severe form of HR-HPV infection as described elsewhere herein. The results may be given as output of parametric diagnostic raw data, preferably, as absolute or, more preferably, relative amounts. It is to be understood that these data will need interpretation by the clinician. However, also envisage are expert system devices wherein the output comprises processed diagnostic raw data the interpretation of which does not require a specialized clinician.

Further encompassed by the present invention is a kit, preferably adapted to carry out the methods of the present invention, comprising instructions to carry out the said method, said kit further comprising a detection agent for determining the presence and/or amount of a gene product of E1C, and, preferably, means for comparing said amount to a reference amount, allowing differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

The present invention also pertains to a kit preferably adapted to carry out the methods of the present invention, comprising instructions to carry out the said method, said kit further comprising a detection agent for determining the amount of a first gene product in a sample of said subject, said first gene product being a gene product of E1C, a detection agent for determining the amount of a second gene product in said sample, means for calculating a ratio of the amount of said first gene product and the amount of said second gene product, means for comparing said ratio to a reference ratio, and means differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.

Preferred gene products of E1C as well as second gene products are specified elsewhere herein. Preferably, the HR-HPV and the corresponding gene product of E1C are

a) HPV18 and a spliced transcript comprising a 929̂2779 junction,

b) HPV33 and a spliced transcript comprising a 894̂2702 junction,

c) HPV35 and a spliced transcript comprising a 883̂2649 junction,

d) HPV52 and a spliced transcript comprising a 879̂2696 junction, or

e) HPV58 and a spliced transcript comprising a 898̂2706 junction.

The term “kit” as used herein refers to a collection of the aforementioned components, preferably, provided in separately or within a single container. The container also comprises instructions for carrying out the method of the present invention. These instructions may be in the form of a manual or may be provided by a computer program code which is capable of carrying out the comparisons referred to in the methods of the present invention and to establish a diagnosis accordingly when implemented on a computer or a data processing device. The computer program code may be provided on a data storage medium or device such as a optical storage medium (e.g., a Compact Disc) or directly on a computer or data processing device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the current invention relates to a transcript of a HR-HPV genome comprising a splice junction, wherein the combination of HR-HPV and splice junction are selected from the list consisting of a) HPV18 and a 929̂2779 junction, b) HPV33 and a 894̂2702 junction, c) HPV35 and a 883̂2649 junction, d) HPV52 and a 879̂2696 junction, and HPV58 and a 898̂2706 junction.

Moreover, the current invention relates to a mixture of oligonucleotides comprising i) at least one first oligonucleotide specifically hybridizing to the splice junction of an E1C transcript and ii) at least one second oligonucleotide specifically hybridizing to a transcript selected from the group consisting of a transcript of E6*I, a transcript of E1̂E4, a transcript of Apm1, a transcript of Ubc, a transcript of U1A, a transcript of E1, a transcript of E5, and a transcript of L1.

Furthermore, this invention relates to an antibody, specifically recognizing a peptide having a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, 23, 24, 34, or 35. Preferably, said antibody specifically recognizes at least 5, 6, 7 or 8 contiguous amino acids of the peptide having a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, 23, 24, 34, or 35.

Antibodies against the polypeptides of the invention can be prepared from suitable fragments of a purified polypeptide according to the invention as an antigen. Such fragments may be obtained either from the polypeptide of the invention by proteolytic digestion or may be a synthetic peptide. Preferably, the antibody of the present invention is a monoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a single chain antibody, a human or humanized antibody or primatized, chimerized or fragment thereof. Also comprised as antibodies by the present invention are a bispecific antibody, a synthetic antibody, an antibody fragment, such as Fab, Fv or scFv fragments etc., or a chemically modified derivative of any of these. The antibody of the present invention shall specifically bind (i.e. does not cross react with other polypeptides or peptides) to the polypeptide of the invention. Specific binding can be tested by various well known techniques.

Antibodies or fragments thereof can be obtained by using methods which are described, e.g., in Harlow and Lane “Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual”, CSH Press, Cold Spring Harbor, 1988. Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared by the techniques originally described in Köhler and Milstein, Nature 256 (1975), 495, and Gatfré, Meth. Enzymol. 73 (1981), 3, which comprise the fusion of mouse myeloma cells to spleen cells derived from immunized mammals.

The antibodies can be used, for example, for the immunoprecipitation and immunolocalization of the variant polypeptides of the invention as well as for the monitoring of the presence of or the amount of said polypeptides and for the identification of compounds interacting with the proteins according to the invention. For example, surface plasmon resonance as employed in the BIAcore system can be used to increase the efficiency of phage antibodies which bind to an epitope of the protein of the invention (Schier, Human Antibodies Hybridomas 7 (1996), 97-105; Malmborg, J. Immunol. Methods 183 (1995), 7-13).

All references cited in this specification are herewith incorporated by reference with respect to their entire disclosure content and the disclosure content specifically mentioned in this specification.

The following Example shall merely illustrate the invention. It shall not be construed, whatsoever, to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Identification of HPV/16-Analoguous E1C Transcripts in HR-HPV 18, 33, 35, 52, and 58

Cervical exfoliated cells from patients with low-grade to high-grade lesion or CxCa, stored in PreservCyt™ medium (ThinPrep sampling device), were selected for RNA isolation based on prior HPV18, 33, 35, 52, and 58 genotyping data. After vigorous homogenisation, 3 to 12 ml of cell suspension were transferred to a 15 ml Falcon tube and centrifuged for 10 min, 10° C., 4000 rpm (300×g). The supernatant was removed and the cell pellet was resuspended in the residual volume by flicking the tube. Absolute ethanol (2.5 ml) was added and the mixture was well homogenised by pipetting. 1.5 ml of the suspension was transferred in a 2 ml Eppendorf tube (not provided with the EZ1 RNA kit) centrifuged, and the supernatant was discarded, and stored at −80° C. RNA isolation was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions omitting DNase treatment.

Using the Qiagen one-step RT-PCR kit, newly designed forward and backward primers, annealing in the E7 and E2 gene, respectively, amplified a truncated PCR product that was detected only in total RNA from patients with high-grade lesions or CxCa. Upon cloning and sequencing, the respective splice junctions could be identified by sequencing. 

1. A method for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, said subject not comprising the HR-HPV genome in an integrated form, comprising the steps a) determining, in a sample of said subject, the presence or absence of a gene product of E1C, and b) differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the gene product of E1C is a spliced transcript of E1.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the HR-HPV and the corresponding spliced transcript of E1 are a) HPV18 and a spliced transcript comprising a 929̂2779 junction, b) HPV33 and a spliced transcript comprising a 894̂2702 junction, c) HPV35 and a spliced transcript comprising a 883̂2649 junction, d) HPV52 and a spliced transcript comprising a 879̂2696 junction, or e) HPV58 and a spliced transcript comprising a 898̂2706 junction.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the determination of the presence or absence of the said transcript comprises the steps of amplifying the said transcript if present with oligonucleotides that specifically amplify the said transcript and determining the amounts of the, thus, amplified transcript.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the presence of a gene product of E1C indicates a severe form of HR-HPV infection.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the absence of a gene product of E1C indicates a mild form of HR-HPV infection.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the HR-HPV is HPV18 and wherein the gene product of E1C is a transcript comprising a 929̂2779 junction.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the HR-HPV is HPV33 and wherein the gene product of E1C is a transcript comprising a 894̂2702 junction.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the HR-HPV is HPV35 and wherein the gene product of E1C is a transcript comprising a 883̂2649 junction.
 12. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the presence or absence of a spliced transcript of E1C comprises PCR amplification of said spliced transcript of E1C.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein PCR amplification makes use of a mixture of primers.
 14. The method of claim 2, wherein the presence of the transcript is determined by using a probe oligonucleotide that specifically detects the said transcript.
 15. The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of assessing in said sample of said subject the integration status of the HR-HPV genome.
 16. A method for differentiating in a subject with HR-HPV between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection, comprising the steps a) determining the amount of a first gene product in a sample of said subject, said first gene product being a gene product of E1C, b) determining the amount of a second gene product in said sample, c) calculating a ratio of the amount of said first gene product as determined in step a) and the amount of said second gene product as determined in step b), d) comparing the ratio as calculated in step c) to a reference ratio, and e) differentiating between (i) a severe form of HR-HPV infection and (ii) a mild form of HR-HPV infection.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said second gene product is selected from the group consisting of a gene product of E6*I, a gene product of E1̂E4, a gene product of Apm1, a gene product of Ubc, a gene product of U1A, a gene product of E1, a gene product of E5, and a gene product of L1.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first gene product is a spliced transcript of E1C and wherein the second gene product is a transcript selected from the group consisting of a transcript of E6*I, a transcript of E1AE4, a transcript of Apm1, a transcript of Ubc, a transcript of U1A, a transcript of E1, a transcript of E5, and a transcript of L1.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the HR-HPV and the corresponding spliced transcript of E1C are a) HPV18 and a spliced transcript comprising a 929̂2779 junction, b) HPV33 and a spliced transcript comprising a 894̂2702 junction, c) HPV35 and a spliced transcript comprising a 883̂2649 junction, d) HPV52 and a spliced transcript comprising a 879̂2696 junction, or e) HPV5B and a spliced transcript comprising a 898̂2706 junction.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first gene product is a first polypeptide translated from a spliced transcript of E1C and the second gene product is a second polypeptide translated from a transcript selected from the group consisting of a transcript of E6*I, a transcript of E1̂E4, a transcript of Apm1, a transcript of Ubc, a transcript of U1A, a transcript of E1, a transcript of E5, and a transcript of L1, and wherein the amount of the first polypeptide and the amount of the second polypeptide are determined by using antibodies that specifically detect said first and said second polypeptide, respectively.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the ratio of the amount of said first gene product to the amount of said second gene product is calculated, and wherein (i) a ratio larger than the reference ratio indicates a severe form of HR-HPV infection and/or wherein (ii) a ratio lower than the reference ratio indicates a mild form of HR-HPV infection.
 22. The method of claim 16, comprising the further step of assessing in said sample of said subject the integration status of the HR-HPV genome. 23-33. (canceled) 